Salt Spring Island is home to vibrant farmers markets that showcase local produce, handmade goods, and artisan foods. With a strict "make it, bake it, grow it" rule, these markets highlight the island’s agricultural and creative talents. Here’s a quick guide to the top 5 markets you shouldn’t miss:
- Salt Spring Saturday Market: Runs April–October in Centennial Park, featuring artisan crafts, fresh produce, and specialty items like hand-harvested sea salt and lavender products.
- Tuesday Market in Ganges: A seasonal food-focused market (June–October) offering fresh vegetables, meats, cheeses, and prepared foods.
- Fulford Village Market: A smaller, cozy market in the island’s south end with seasonal produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.
- Salt Spring Island Cheese Company Market Shop: Open year-round, this shop offers artisanal goat cheese, farm tours, and local accompaniments.
- Ruckle Heritage Farm Stand: Located in Ruckle Provincial Park, this honor-system farm stand provides seasonal produce, lamb, eggs, and wool products.
Quick Comparison of Markets
| Market Name | Operating Season | Focus Areas | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Spring Saturday Market | April–October | Crafts, produce, specialty items | Centennial Park, Ganges |
| Tuesday Market in Ganges | June–October | Seasonal food | Centennial Park, Ganges |
| Fulford Village Market | Seasonal | Produce, baked goods, crafts | Fulford Village |
| Salt Spring Island Cheese Co. | Year-round | Goat cheese, farm experience | 285 Reynolds Road |
| Ruckle Heritage Farm Stand | Year-round | Produce, lamb, wool | Ruckle Provincial Park |
Plan your visit to explore these markets and enjoy the best of Salt Spring Island’s local offerings.
Salt Spring Island Saturday Market. Salt Spring Saturday Market at Centennial Park
The Salt Spring Saturday Market at Centennial Park is a must-visit event on Salt Spring Island, running every Saturday from April 5th to October 25th, 2025, between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Located in the heart of Ganges, this market has been a cornerstone of island life since the 1970s.
Since January 2024, the Salt Spring Island Saturday Market Society (SSISMS) has overseen its operations, ensuring that every item sold is either handcrafted, baked, or grown by the vendors themselves.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll find:
| Category | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Food & Beverages | Artisan vinegars, local wines, fresh produce, baked goods |
| Artisan Crafts | Pottery, jewelry, woodwork, fiber arts |
| Specialty Products | Hand-harvested sea salt, beeswax wraps, lavender items |
| Fine Arts | Photography, paintings, sculptures |
Some standout vendors include Salt Spring Island Artisan Vinegar, known for wine vinegars made from local fruits and herbs; Salt Spring Sea Salt, offering hand-harvested fleur de sel crystals; and Salt Spring Island Beeswax Wraps, which provides reusable food wraps crafted from local organic materials.
"One of my favourite summer markets in BC – farmers, artists, goldsmiths, and other vendors that only exist at this market."
- Aaron Peters
For winter visitors, the market hosts special December sessions featuring a festive atmosphere and seasonal products.
Lavender & Black is another highlight, showcasing artisan-distilled lavender products made from naturally farmed plants, perfectly capturing the island’s charm.
"I love the vibe and all the great vendors with locally made food, wine, jams, spreads, crafts, etc. A must see if you’re visiting Salt Spring Island on a Saturday."
- Mostafa Esmaeili
This market is more than just a shopping destination – it’s a celebration of Salt Spring Island’s rich history, strong community spirit, and dedication to craftsmanship.
2. Tuesday Market in Ganges
From June 4 to October 29, 2024, Centennial Park in Ganges becomes a hub for food lovers every Tuesday afternoon. Running from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM, the Tuesday Market is all about showcasing local, seasonal foods grown and produced on Salt Spring Island.
Here’s what you can expect at the market:
| Product Category | What’s Available |
|---|---|
| Fresh Produce | Seasonal vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers |
| Protein & Dairy | Local meats, farm-fresh eggs, and artisanal cheeses |
| Pantry Items | Hand-blended teas, locally milled flour, and nuts |
| Prepared Foods | Gluten-free baked goods, ice cream sandwiches, and samosas |
| Preserves | Jams, vinegars, and seasonal preserves |
What sets this market apart is its ever-changing selection. Over 10 local farms participate, harvesting produce specifically for the market that day. This ensures everything is as fresh as it gets, reflecting the island’s dedication to quality and local craftsmanship.
Focusing solely on food, the Tuesday Market offers a cozy, food-centric experience. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to savor Salt Spring Island’s rich flavors and agricultural traditions.
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3. Fulford Village Market
Tucked away in south Salt Spring Island, the Fulford Village Market brings together local farmers and artisans in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a small but vibrant hub for discovering goods sourced directly from the island’s agricultural community.
Here’s what you’ll find:
| Category | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Farm Fresh | Seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs |
| Artisan Foods | Handcrafted preserves, baked treats, and specialty items |
| Local Crafts | Unique handmade goods by island artisans |
| Specialty Items | Small-batch products exclusive to Salt Spring Island |
The market emphasizes connecting visitors with south-end producers, offering hyperlocal products you won’t find elsewhere. Its intimate setting makes it easy to chat with farmers and creators while exploring the offerings.
What’s available changes with the season. Early spring features fresh greens and spring onions, while summer and fall bring a bounty of fruits and vegetables. Local artisans also showcase handcrafted items that reflect the island’s creative energy.
Nestled in Fulford Village, this market is a perfect stop for anyone exploring the island’s south end. It’s a laid-back alternative to the larger markets, yet it still delivers the quality and variety that Salt Spring Island is known for. Swing by the Fulford Village Market for a relaxed, one-of-a-kind shopping experience that adds a touch of local charm to your visit.
4. Salt Spring Island Cheese Company Market Shop
Nestled at 285 Reynolds Road, the Salt Spring Island Cheese Company Market Shop offers a year-round opportunity to explore artisanal goat cheese in a working farm setting. This spot seamlessly blends retail, education, and a behind-the-scenes look at cheesemaking, reflecting the island’s dedication to local, handcrafted goods.
The shop specializes in goat cheeses made with simple, high-quality ingredients: 100% pure goat milk, sea salt, dairy culture, and rennet . It’s more than just a store – it’s a chance to connect with the island’s culinary traditions.
Cheese Varieties and Prices:
| Cheese Variety | Price |
|---|---|
| Flower Chèvre | $16.00 |
| Basil Chèvre | $16.00 |
| Garlic Chèvre | $16.00 |
| Truffle Chèvre | $18.00 |
| White Juliette | $17.00 |
| St Jo Feta | $19.00 |
| Ruckles | $19.00 |
| Smoked Salmon and Capers Chèvre | $18.00 |
Visitors can sample these cheeses and watch the cheesemaking process through viewing windows. The farm’s open design lets you explore the grounds and even meet the goats responsible for the milk. Beyond cheese, the shop features locally sourced accompaniments like chutneys, jams, crackers, vinegars, honey, smoked salmon, and a curated selection of international olives, olive oils, teas, and cordials. In the warmer months, the seasonal café serves delicious treats such as goat cheese cake and goat milk gelato.
Hours of operation vary by season: 10 AM–5 PM in summer (March–October) and 10 AM–4 PM in winter (November–February). Note that the shop is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during January and February. Combining retail with an immersive farm experience, this stop is perfect for cheese lovers and anyone eager to dive into Salt Spring Island’s food culture.
5. Ruckle Heritage Farm Stand
Ruckle Heritage Farm Stand, established in 1872, is located at 1801 Beaver Point Road within Ruckle Provincial Park. Known as the oldest continuously operating family farm in the Gulf Islands, it offers a charming shopping experience with fresh, seasonal produce available through an honor system.
Here’s what you’ll find at the farm stand:
- Fresh Produce: Seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs, and root crops
- Farm Products: Eggs, lamb bone broth, and pre-order holiday turkeys
- Specialty Items: Seeds, lavender, catnip, and fresh or dried flowers
- Artisanal Goods: Natural deodorant and herbal-infused body oils
- Fiber Products: Wool and lambskins (available upon request)
The farm is home to 80 sheep and 30–40 free-range turkeys. Its partnerships with local businesses ensure high-quality offerings, such as Ruckle Heritage Farm lamb served at Hastings House Bistro and seasonal produce available at Natureworks in Ganges.
"You can’t own land, you can only preserve it for future generations." – Gordon Ruckle
The farm is managed by Mike and Marjorie Lane, with support from Abey and Matt Scaglione. Historically, the property included a vast orchard with over 600 apple and pear trees, as well as 40 nut trees.
Shopping Tips: Plan ahead by ordering lamb two weeks in advance or reserving holiday turkeys. For inquiries or special requests, contact [email protected].
Nestled within Ruckle Provincial Park, this farm stand is a favorite stop for hikers and nature lovers. Visitors often describe it as a "vintage experience", providing a glimpse into Salt Spring Island’s rich agricultural history.
Planning Your Market Visits
Make the most of your time on Salt Spring Island by planning your market visits wisely.
Market Operating Seasons
| Market Name | Operating Season | Hours | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Spring Saturday Market | April – October | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Around 9:00 AM |
| Tuesday Farmers Market | June – October | 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM | At 1:30 PM when it opens |
| Salt Spring Island Cheese Company | Daily | Check seasonal hours | Any time |
Use this table to organize your schedule and enjoy everything the markets have to offer.
Getting the Best Experience
For the Saturday Market, showing up right at 9:00 AM means you’ll get first pick of the freshest goods and avoid larger crowds. Meanwhile, the Tuesday Farmers Market in Ganges offers a cozy atmosphere with an emphasis on food, spirits, and ciders.
Essential Tips
- Bring cash, as many vendors don’t accept cards.
- Pack reusable bags for your purchases.
- Double-check market dates, especially during off-peak seasons.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking around Ganges.
Year-Round Options
If you’re visiting outside the main market seasons, you can still find local products at places like Woodshed Gourmet Food Shop, Stowel Lake Farm, and Salt Spring Island Cheese Company. These spots are open all year and provide an excellent complement to the seasonal markets.